Page 43 of Covert Operation

I leave the medical wing and go to the storage closet where we keep all the toiletries. Then I go to work counting. At least I can remember the sequence of numbers without thinking of Zeke’s smell, or the deep rumble of his voice, or the slightly rough feel of his calloused hand in mine…

“Crap.” I close my eyes, taking a deep breath before I return to the task at hand, refusing to allow my brain to take the detour it desperately wants.

By the time I’m finished counting and logging tissues, toilet paper, paper towels, and soap, I feel much better. Completely in control of my emotions and desires.

It’s going to be fine. Sitting across from Zeke all day will be no problem at all. None whatsoever.

I’m feeling a little smug with myself as I return to our shared office, head held high and spine straight. Completely confident in my ability to maintain professionalism. But my feet skid to a stop when I reach the doorway and find Zeke’s not the only man occupying our office. Pierce sits on the edge of my desk, talking in that slightly stuck-up sort of way he has.

“Since you are unable to go out in the field for the next while due to your shoulder injury, I think I may send you back to Nashville.”

Zeke’s brows lift. “Nashville?” He leans back in his chair, crossing both big arms across his broad chest. “I doubt Eli’s going to clear me to go spy on your best friend Vincent.”

“Then it’s good I’m not sending you to spy on Vincent.” Pierce tucks one hand into the pocket of his expensive suit. “I’d like for you to canvass the area and determine if it would be a decent location for us to set up a second campus.” Pierce continues on, oblivious to my presence in the doorway. “We’re doing too much on the East Coast and in the Midwest for us to not have a presence there.” He pauses, running his tongue along his teeth. “And I have information that there could be some activity in the Nashville area that I would like to keep tabs on.”

Zeke’s expression is skeptical, but like Pierce, he doesn’t seem to notice I’m listening in on their conversation either. I shouldn’t be, but I can’t make myself walk away.

“So you want me to go property hunting?” He shakes his head. “I’m not sure I’m the best man for the job. I don’t know anything about what we need or what sort of property might work.”

Pierce sighs, eyes dropping to the floor. “I don’t disagree with you, but Elise is adamant that she cannot leave to help you. She will however be able to take emails and phone calls with any questions you may have. I’m sure that will be?—”

“I could go.” The offer jumps right out of my mouth and drags both men’s attention my way. They stare at me long enough that I feel the need to explain. “I’ve been working with Elise for a couple weeks now, and while I might not know everything, I have a decent grasp of what it takes to keep this place up and running and what the requirements would be if we needed another location.” I chew my lower lip, brain racing. “Of courseI would have questions about how extensive you would want the facilities to be, but I’m sure I could be useful.”

Pierce studies me for a second before asking, “You would be comfortable traveling?”

I lift one shoulder. “I mean, I wouldn’t be traveling alone, right?” My eyes move to where Zeke sits. “I think I would be perfectly fine.” I trust Zeke to keep me safe. When he’s with me I’m not scared of anything. Not other people. Not my own thoughts. Not the future or the past.

Pierce’s lips press into a considering line as he turns to Zeke. “Would that be an agreeable solution for you?”

Zeke’s gaze rests on me, heavy and focused. I can almost feel it sinking into my skin. He slowly nods. “I think Savannah would be very helpful to have with me.”

A smile blooms across my face, because Zeke doesn’t say things he doesn’t mean. If he didn’t want me to go, he would find a way to gently make it clear he doesn’t think it’s a good idea. So if he says he thinks I’ll be helpful, he genuinely means it.

And I haven’t been helpful to anyone in so long.

“It’s settled then.” Pierce stands from the desk, rubbing his palms together. “I’ll arrange your travel and let Rico know you’ll be flying out today. Touch base with Isaac so he can book your accommodations.”

My eyes widen. “Today?”

Pierce turns to me. “Is that a problem?”

I shake my head. “No, but I don’t have anything packed.”

Pierce’s lips quirk in a smile as his eyes go to Zeke. “Don’t worry. I don’t expect you to be ready in ten minutes like he is.” He strides from the room, passing me before turning back. “I appreciate your assistance with this, Savannah.” His gaze becomes pointed. “And, so we’re clear, this will mean you are officially on Alaskan Security’s payroll.”

I’ve been on the fence about that, but now it’s time to shit or get off the pot. I find the decision remarkably easy to make. “I’m okay with that.”

EIGHTEEN

ZEKE

I PROBABLY SHOULD have argued with Savannah when she volunteered to come with me to Nashville, but I can’t do what Pierce wants on my own. Plus, I’d rather have her traveling with me than some asshole who will just get on my nerves the whole trip.

And I sure as hell don’t want to email Elise every five minutes.

The second Savannah leaves to go pack a bag, I rush to my suite, getting everything I need in record time. Fast enough I can make a stop by Intel’s office to give Isaac the name of the hotel to book us into before leaving him to work out the details.

I’m ready and waiting when Savannah pulls up out front. I roll my bag off the sidewalk, giving her a stern look when she opens the door and starts to climb out from behind the wheel. “Get back in there. I’ll put this in the back and then we can go.”